Top 5 movies of 2011

2011 was a great year for movies. Early on in the year I was describing it as the year of Sci-Fi, and for a good portion of the summer most of my top 5 movies were science fiction films. But some great late summer through early winter releases have left only on science fiction film in the top five. I think you will be surprised by my list. Hope you enjoy.

Spoiler alert many of the clips do give away major plot elements, especially #4 and #1, so don't watch if you haven't seen the movie!

#5) Seven Days in Utopia-- This little film is something I just stumbled into when searching for a second feature on a movie day Distributed by Disney it is a really heartwarming film the whole family can enjoy. It is about a young golfer who finds their is more to success than winning. Robert Duvall is amazing, as the wise old golfer who teaches valuable life lessons to the young golfer. Definitely worth the rent to watch this one.


#4) The Adjustment Bureau -- The only Sci-Fi movie remaining in the top 5. This is based on a story by Phillip K. Dick (Minority Report, Blade Runner, Next) it is by far my favorite adaptation of a Dick work, mainly because it is such an interesting concept. Men in fedoras (and other hats) who follow people around making sure we stick to "The Plan" as laid out by "The Chairman". A great tale of fate versus free will. Whether you see the chairman as a god figure, are just the hand of fate, whether the bureau are angels, or just agents of fate, this is an intriguing story. The clip is the final scene, so dom't watch if you haven't seen it:


#3 HUGO-- this film is simply enchanting. A look back at early 20th century cinema, and how movies create a doorway into dreams and magic. I went in expecting a good movie, but came out amazed. Visually stunning, with lots of effects for the 3D version. I saw the flat 2D version, and it was magical in itself, I'm sure the 3D would amaze even more. The acting is amazing, from the new-comers playing the children to Oscar winner Ben Kingsley (Ghandi) as French filmmaker Georges Melies and Sacha Bron Cohen (whom I normally cannot stand). Each performance is fantastic. The only clip I could find is the trailer, go see this film, it may lose magic as it transitions to smaller at home screens.


#2) Soul Surfer-- This true life drama of Bethany Hamilton, the teenage girl who loses her arm to a shark attack as an amazing story of courage. Annasophia Robb does an excellent job portraying the anguish and questioning that arise as Bethany must adapt to the loss of her arm, and possibly her surfing dreams. Dennis Quaid and Helen Hunt play the parents, and Carrie Underwood makes her acting debut as a church youth leader. These may not be Oscar winning performances, but this is still a great movie, especially for teens who are facing obstacles in life.


#1) The Help, a hilarious, and heartwarming look at the treatment of the black housekeeper in the south in the 1960's. This film will make you think, make you cry, and in the case f the scene below (SPOILERS) make you laugh like crazy. This clip was obviously recorded in a theatre because you can hear the audience respond as the humorous incident is revealed. I see several Oscar nods coming for this film.


Happy New Year and I hope you've enjoyed these lists.